Nothing else counts if your organization is not performing well and delivering timely and effective services to clients, customers or citizens.  BridgeGroup uses the COSO Model as a standard for all of our organizational reviews. COSO is a proven performance audit tool that assesses the internal operating control systems of a department.

According to COSO, the three primary objectives of an internal control system are to ensure (1) efficient and effective operations, (2) accurate financial reporting, and (3) compliance with laws and regulations. COSO also outlines five essential components of an effective internal control system:

Ø THE CONTROL ENVIRONMENT

Ø RISK ASSESSMENT

Ø CONTROL ACTIVITIES

Ø INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Ø MONITORING

BridgeGroup uses these elements to define the areas to be audited, assess the components of your control system, and report the results to management. Integrating COSO in this manner adds structure to our performance audit process, ensures that appropriate criteria are considered in key phases of each audit, and provides a trail to support the conclusions reached. More information regarding COSO is available at http://www.coso.org/

Our lead consultant for performance audits is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), and Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP).  In conducting Police and Fire audits the lead consultant has a team that consist of a former Police and Fire Chief with extensive experience in public safety operations, NFPA and CELEA standards that are important for effective operations.